Gunmen Rob Fashion Valley Jewelry Store

Two of the bandits entered the Ben Bridge store with black ski masks over their faces shortly after 11 a.m. while the third waited outside, according to San Diego police.

The robbers fled in a white compact sedan, SDPD Detective Gary Hassen said. It was not immediately clear what they stole, he said.

About 10 minutes later, officers found the car abandoned in a nearby parking structure.

Police fanned out through the mall and surrounding areas in search of the bandits, one of whom reportedly was wearing a blue sweat shirt during the holdup. Further descriptions of the thieves were not immediately available.